Among new films premiered at this year’s Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival is a hard hitting take on how freedom struggles are changing the world. Sheffield Doc/Fest attracts some of the biggest film makers to the city with over 3,000 people registered to participated in the five day event. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rupert Russell, writer and director of Freedom for the Wolf.
One of the stand out films at this year’s Doc/Fest is the story of two gay Syrian refugees competing in a pageant for the title of Mr Gay Syria. The documentary tells a story of resistance to persecution and the life-threatening situations faced by LGBT+ Syrians. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake was at the screening and spoke to Turkish director of the film Ayse Torpak.
This year’s Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival features a collection of documentary love stories, including US production For Ahkeem. Directed by Jeremy Levine and Landon Van Soest, the film tells the coming-of-age story of 17-year old Daje who is determined to turn her life around after a rough upbringing in St Louis. The film explores themes of teenage proverty, education and hope. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with the directors at a question and answer session at the Light Cinema.
The Peace in the Park festival returned to Sheffield for 2017 with the message of reclaiming peace in the world and the power of community action. The arts and music festival is celebrating its fifteenth year since it launched in 2003 and is still run entirely by volunteers. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Louise Haigh the newly re-elected Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley told Sheffield Live! that Prime Minister Theresa May “has to resign” after her disastrous general election campaign. Ms Haigh also praised Jeremy Corbyn for his campaign performance and the Labour manifesto and predicted that a further general election would soon follow. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Crookes and Crosspool councillor and Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Anne Murphy, admitted she had “little sympathy” for ousted former Deputy PM and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg. Clegg has held the Sheffield Hallam seat since 2005 but was defeated at the general election by first time Labour candidate Jared O’Mara who Ms Murphy praised as a new type of politican. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Much loved monster, The Gruffalo, appeared as part of National Bookstart Week to promote early years reading. The event, aimed at under 5s and their parents, was moved to the indoor location due to weather conditions. National Bookstart Week runs from 5 to 11 June. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
A group of young Sheffield cancer patients have been taking part in a football competition for cancer awareness and fundraising. The charity event aimed to dispel the myth that enjoying life and playing sports must come to an end with a cancer diagnosis. Competitors took part in six-aside tournament, in which all teams had at least one person with cancer or having survived the illness. The event was organised by Clic Sargent and the Sheffield United Community Foundation. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s open air amphitheatre in South Street Park was the location for the weekend festival of live music, food stalls and family activities. The organisers, Friends of Sheaf Valley Park, aim is to bring communities together and celebrate the diversity of the area. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s annual Food Festival is underway with stalls and events across the Peace and Winter Gardens, Millennium Square, Town Hall Square and Fargate. The festival aims to showcase the best of foods made in Sheffield. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!